Making a will - need tax and financial planning advice

[WreckOfTheHesperus]

Does anyone have any recommendations for anyone who can help me and DP make a will? We are not married but have a DC and I was hoping to structure things in the most financially beneficial way for the family.

We are in London. Thanks

Any solicitor will draw up a will for you. It's worth shopping around because prices vary. My tip would be to do your homework and to work out in advance how you want things to be framed and also get the permission of whoever it is that you want to act as your executors. That speeds things up no end.

Thanks Chil1234. Not sure I understand what you mean by how you want things to be framed? And how many executors do you typically need?

Wreck - a good lawyer will draft your will and also be able to help put in place any recommended structures ie trusts (often part of tax planning). I have just started this process myself (am in London) - have contacted Richard Bates of Bunkers (they are out of London, I think in Brighton), based on a recommendation, so I will be dealing w him solely by phone and email. Have only had 1 phone call and an email so far but he was v nice and v responsive. Good luck!

Also, I really liked talking to Keith Bonner of Hilton Sharp Clarke Financial Services (based in Brighton - I call and email). Found him v personable and really switched on - rattled off sensible and insightful advice on life assurance policies and trust structures over the phone. Unfort had already found the policy at a price he couldn't match, but I will be using him again in the future if I need anything else.

Thanks Bunnymother, that's helpful

"Framed"... conditions as in, 'if X happens, we want Y end result'. Typically, 'if we both die leaving dependent children we nominate this person as their legal guardian'. Or 'if we both die we leave our estate in trust for DC until they are 21'... Of course, it's worth saying that you can shortcut a lot of the detail by getting married. Also you would avoid death-duties for the surviving partner.

Executors you can have as many as you like. However, it can be quite a demanding role, so choose people who are good at organisation and who are not beneficiaries from your will.